Auckland, City of Sails

Well, except for a branded spinnaker, some of those sails will soon belong to Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL).

In Auckland this summer (winter for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere), inshore, on the Hauraki Gulf, those fabulous ETNZ workhorses -- NZL92 and NZL84 -- will carry crews from five or more America's Cup teams, in pursuit of a wonderful prize sponsored by Louis Vuitton.

This isn't the America's Cup. This isn't an ersatz America's Cup.

This is a genuine, authentic, and celebratory way for the world's finest America's Cup sponsor, Louis Vuitton, and their sailor leader, Bruno Troublé (FRA), to raise the flag for sailing passion, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm in an AC world that has been dull as ditchwater, and enormously confusing, for months.

Best of all, it will allow AC brands like Emirates, BMW Oracle, and many others (and we hope Alinghi (SUI)) to return to the water, employ crews, come together, enjoy the spirit and camaraderie of AC racing -- AC32 style -- to reward their sponsors, earn some money, perhaps win, and do so in the Valencia of the South -- Auckland, New Zealand.

Instead of oranges as the juice for this event, think kiwifruit. And perhaps a little beer.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, an AC fan, has authorized the investment of $NZ750,000 to support the series. Similarly, the Hon. John Banks, Mayor of Auckland and former New Zealand Minister of Sport, has offered the support of his city, its agencies, and the oceans of volunteers required for the event.

In Auckland, these volunteers won't be hard to find. In fact, it will be difficult to keep every Aucklander onshore. Most will insist on being on the water.

Kudos and congratulations must be given to Bruno Troublé and Grant Dalton (NZL), who apparently engineered this. And the French luxury brand, LVMH, must be given Great Kudos for their support of Bruno Troublé in his untiring commitment to first class sailing, great sportsmanship, great teammanship, and great competition. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark completes the hierarchy. As do the people of Auckland, who will make this fabulous event a fabulous experience. Believe me.

Perhaps the extraordinary spirit of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup will also return passion -- and competition -- and fairness -- and reality -- to AC33, 34 , 35, 36 . . .